Acronis International GmbH, simply referred to as Acronis, is a private technology company. Acronis develops on-premises and cloud software for backup, disaster recovery, and secure file sync and share and data access.[2] Acronis has 18 offices worldwide. Its R&D Centers, Acronis Labs, are based in the United States, Singapore and Russia.[3][4] Acronis has Cloud data centers internationally, including the United States, France, Singapore, Japan, Russia, and Germany.[5]

ABOUT ACRONIS TRUE IMAGE 2017 NG PREMIUM

Acronis True Image 2017 is the latest version developed by Acronis Int. GMBH. It is available in 3 different versions having the same basic functionality and interface, but each with their own additional extra’s:

NEW Acronis ASign™
Acronis ASign to request an electronic signature for
an authenticated audit trail.

AcronisTrue Image being a backup applicationcan be used with your own backup device like an external NAS or Harddisk. Safety is a major factor nowadays as your backup probably stores all your private data.
You do not want to get compromised in any way with private data stolen. Just imagine you’re getting burgled and the first thing they will take are your laptop, iMac and external drives. All easy to sell and they will leave a note stating ‘Thank you for your information’. Now sit in the corner and start praying.

So IF you use an iMac, IF you use an external drive or NAS, ALWAYS use encryption and system password!! I just can’t say it enough times to readers Get yourself protected! Acronis True Image 2017 NG Premium version, provides fantastic safety features which as stated are a must if you store and backup ‘ for your eyes only ‘ data. If you only want to backup your songs, and ordinary family pictures you also use encryption as most of us store a copy of their passport on their computer. And again you don’t want to be a victim of identity theft. So use encryption always.

This Premium version has some NEW and great safety additions ( especially for Windows users! ). ANY business should be using these features as they provide continuity in case of security problems. Ransomware is a popular virus
encrypting your computer files and leave you with just one option: Pay or loose all your datafiles ! The new Acronis Active Protection ( windows only! ) will make sure your data will always be safe and available. I contacted Acronis and asked why Acronis Active Protection is not yet available for this Mac version. Acronis product expert official stated implementing this feature was easier on Windows and more difficult on Macs operating system. They are busy testing and will be implementing this feature in future versions for Mac. ????

Facebook backup: incremental Facebook backup is now possible to protect your timeline and photos.Security: data is encrypted using the AES-256 standard.Dual protection: local backup and cloud backup for dual protection ensures data and content is truly protectedMultiple device support: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android and Facebook can all be backed upLocal data center: you can select the location of your cloud data center; In Germany, in the US, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney etc

BACKUP

The most essential job for any computer user is Backup your files ! Your Mac has TimeMachine available which works easy and well but has no flexibility at all. Its backing up All or Nothing, Acronis however is doing tailor made backups to internal, external devices or Acronis Cloud ( 1Tb storage included in Premium version ). You may also backup to any other cloud storage if you already have storage available.

Acronis True Image 2017 NG is developed for all users, experienced or not. Its easy and when you look at the provided pictures it shows you exactly how to. IF you use ‘encryption’ make sure you NEVER forget the Password.Keep it in a safe place! or you’re encrypted backup is useless.

Premium users will have the option to perform a backup by ‘ Files to Notarize ‘, giving the highest security for your files. Read the active links provided to get in-depth information!

BACKUP in PROGRESS ( speed / time left )

Acronis backs up to a local drive quicker then Time Machine, so thats one point in favour of Acronis True Image 2017. Acronis Cloud backup ( 1Tb storage included ), is saver option as their storage techniques are far better and saver then our home external disks. But you guessed it, everything has its price. The average transfer speed using the Acronis Cloud is in my case approx. 25Mb/s. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out your backup will take some time. But is handled in the background, just don’t switch off your computer before you made sure the backup has finished. The Acronis True Image 2017 application itself doesn’t have to stay visible when backing up, it will do its job in the background all the time. Even after a new startup of your system you don’t need to activate Acronis itself.

RECOVER DATA/FILES from BACKUP

Recovering your back upped files or data is easy. Once a ‘Backup’ has finished a message will be displayed on the interface( below ). To recover data just hit the ‘recover button’ see arrow in the image below and a popup screen
will show the back upped data from this specific session. Now select the files to be recovered and hit the ‘recover button’ and your done. Your files will be stored in its original location ! Job done.

RECOVER IF MAC DOESN’T BOOT

Prior to your first backup CREATE YOUR BOOTABLE media DVD or USB drive. If you haven’t prepared for the worst, you’re nearly too late now. GET IT DONE !

This is needed if your Mac won’t startup anymore. Main reason is a corrupted MBR of the harddisk. Time Machine is only useful, if a recent copy has been stored on an external disk or different partition. If your Mac won’t startup anymore probably your harddisks MBR section is corrupt or your HD itself is dead. In most of these cases a new full format is required to get access again to your harddisk, meaning you will loose all stored data of the HD. Now its time to make use of your Time Machine’s external backup OR boot from your created USB media and do a full restore from any external source. Acronis True Image 2017 NG will get your job done for sure.

From the Menu:

CREATE BACKUP PLAN FROM REMOTE COMPUTER & SEARCH FILES ON LOCAL or CLOUD

This is where you can setup your personal backup plan and scheduling. The only way to set a fully and personalised backup plan from a Remote Computer.

Acronis True Image 2017 NG Premium version is an outstanding backup application. It offers safety, speed and backups your social media like Facebook and mobile device as well. The clean interface takes any user through the process in no time. Acronis New Generation however takes Data-Backup to the next level with the implemented Acronis Active Protection (windows only!), Acronis Notary, Acronis Asign, encryption features offering state of the art protection.
I can’t find any real flaws in Acronis apart from the Acronis cloud backup time, and the different Cloud/Account-web pages which could be made into one! Acronis Active Protection for now is only available for windows based machines which is a shame really as Mac’s are also not free from ransomware viruses/attacks. This feature will however be implemented after fierce testing in future versions I am told.

Acronis True Image 2017 NG Premium ( with Acronis Active Protection) is easily the best backup software available. If you are looking for maximum protection, features and bootable backup media function, Acronis True Image 2017 NG Premium is the software to buy.

We also need to mention the low system load ( CPU load ) when backing up data. Another reason to choose Acronis as your default backup application.

Eltima is a software developer for Windows and Mac related applications. They are in business for 15 years and provide smaller but useful utilities. SyncMate and Folx Pro are some fine examples of their applications. This time we will review their SyncMate Expert application and see how it performs.

WHY USE ELTIMA SYNCMATE EXPERT

The SyncMate Expert edition is an ideal backup manager. It syncs everything in your phone like Messages, Images, Music, Documents, Reminders and Call History.
One of the nice features is the expert edition also allowing you to manage your phone from your Mac. Just use your Mac for typing and sending messages, a useful and neat feature I think.
The ability to mount your cloud storage data as a local disk is a nice extra bonus to a full backup and sync utility.

SyncMate Sync Service

SyncMate features own Sync Service which lets you sync locally avoiding any cloud mediums in OS X 10.8.5 and later. In this way the sync process is secure and safe, and you totally control your data.

INSTALLATION

Eltima SyncMate installation is straightforward, just drag the application to your Mac applications and you’re set. Now its time to make your choices in items you wish to sync with your other devices.
Your Apple OSX itself sync’s trough iCloud with your other Apple devices, but Android for instance is not achievable without any third party software. SyncMate Expert will give you the possibility to sync with your ‘cloud’ storage like Google Drive and Dropbox. Just hit the button of your choice and fill the credentials and approve of the access to your cloud-account.
Syncmate will provide a popup asking for access to your contacts.

With SyncMate you can sync data between Mac and other device automatically. Configure all the settings for the first round and they will be used in further sync. If you wish to add more sync
options to an account or connection type, just add by choosing the ➕ sign.

The Autosync option provides a kind of scheduler which is really basic. I would like to see a full scheduler integrated in the utility which makes it far more useful.

Mounting cloud storage as a local disk, is easy to setup. A disk will be shown on your desktop. Check the box MOUNT and ADD new pair, choose sync direction and setup the desired sync folders or files. Now you may set the period for required sync. You will be notified after every synchronization. A log file is created and visible also during sync.OSX Fuse installation is necessary for mounting cloud storage.

COMPARE FREE vs EXPERT

OPTIONS

FREE

EXPERT

Connect multiple devices

✔️

✔️

Contacts sync

✔️

✔️

Calendar synchronization

✔️

✔️

Background sync

✔️

✔️

Activity log

✔️

✔️

Read SMS

✔️

✔️

iPhoto gallery sync

❌

✔️

Sync videos in iPhoto

❌

✔️

iTunes media sync

❌

✔️

Folders synchronization

❌

✔️

Send SMS from Mac

❌

✔️

Export SMS backup

❌

✔️

Call history

❌

✔️

Safari bookmarks

❌

✔️

To-Do and Reminders sync

❌

✔️

Sync multiple devices

❌

✔️

Autosync

❌

✔️

Mount your device as additional disk

❌

✔️

Convert media files to the popular formats

❌

✔️

DEVICES COMPATIBLE with AUTOSYNC

Device

DEVICE TO MAC

MAC to DEVICE

BOTH directions

Android Device

Android OS 3.x-6.x Phone/tablet

✔️

✔️

✔️

iOS Device

iOS 5.x-10.x iPhone iPad and iPod Touch

✔️

✔️

✔️

Another Mac

OS X 10.8.5 or later

✔️

✔️

✔️

Dropbox

Support of multiple accounts

✔️

✔️

✔️

Mounted Device

USB FireWire and more

✔️

✔️

✔️

Google Account

Support of multiple accounts

✔️

✔️

✔️

iCloud

Support of multiple accounts

✔️

✔️

✔️

MTP Device

Any device with MTP mode

✔️

✔️

✔️

Outlook account

Support of multiple accounts

✔️

✔️

✔️

Office 365 Home

OneDrive & multiple accounts support

✔️

✔️

✔️

Office 365 Business

OneDrive & multiple accounts support

✔️

✔️

✔️

VERDICT

Eltima SyncMate takes its job very serious by syncing all your devices like Android and iOS, MTP and storage devices and Microsoft Office apps. Its the ‘ yin – yang’ solution for keeping your stuff synchronized. With its clean and clear interface, it makes life a little easier providing you the ability to use your data on any of your devices. Just use your Mac for typing your messages and send it from your phone. The mounting feature of your cloud storage places complete a great utility. The scheduler / auto sync time feature needs some upgrading but still this is a great sync utility a full 5 star recommendation.

iDRIVE provides several backup and storage options for private users and businesses small and large. This review is about the personal 1 TB cloud storage space.
They also offer a free 5Gb plan FREE of charge. So if you want to try out or find 5GB cloud storage enough, setup your account for free.
There is a lot to choose from on the internet when it comes to cloud or web storage providers. Choosing becomes even more difficult if you consider the cost and provided storage space.
The Personal account offers 1 TB storage ! For private users 1 TB storage is more then enough.
Just compare iCLOUD extra space 50 GB for about $ 12 a year. iCLOUD however is integrated in OSX which makes it a little easier to work with.

iDRIVE is an easy to use backup utility, is safe with 256-AES encryption and supports sharing.

iDRIVE FEATURES

Multiple Device Backup
We built IDrive to backup unlimited PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads and Android devices into a single account.

IDrive Rewind
A new software feature that can restore an earlier version of a batch of files, all at once.
iDRIVE has a Windows like interface ( shame ), and a intuitive layout. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist in order to work with the iDRIVE.app.

TRANSFER SPEED iDRIVE

So how fast is iDRIVE cloud backup ? Backups are great and necessary, but if things go too slow it starts to frustrate!
Only one way to find out and thats measure the upload time to the iDRIVE server.I had data packages prepared of 5 GB mixed data.

Backup and Restore both get an average transfer speed of approx. 9.5Mbps.
So how does this compare to the competition? NOTE: This source is from Cloudwards

Google Drive scores an average of 9.5Mbps and Dropbox is 2.4Mbps using the web upload. Dropbox is really fast when using the desktop.app on OSX.
Dropbox and Google Drive are good when it comes down to speed. However they don’t offer any kind of security or syncing options.
iDRIVE performs really well with uploads and downloads through their iDRIVE backup-interface.

HOW DOES IT WORK

Setting up only takes a few simple settings.

Once you downloaded the app in installed you need to sign up or login for an account. Now configure the wanted encryption or use of password.
– It is a really good thing that iDRIVE takes security serious and provides 256-bit AES encryption !

Decide which folders or files to backup.

Schedule the backups.

Select files to share if needed

Adjust the overall settings as preferred

Set the syncing option if needed

Press Backup Immediately or Schedule and you’re on your way. It is really easy for every user to adjust and use this application.

Delete and restore functionality is also part of the application itself.

Share with PASSWORD is through the web interface of iDRIVE !

MORE OPTIONS

Bandwidth is adjustable.
Time Machine Backup is possible and integrated.

Backup to local or WiFi device

VERDICT

iDRIVE really impressed with a fast and clean performance. An easy and intuitive layout of the interface and a great price completes this great deal.
If you are looking for a Cloud backup that supports true security, speed and sharing options iDRIVE is your best option.

ChronoSync 4 is yet another backup utility, but unlike most competitors it has a clean, modern and intuitive interface. All features you expect from a well known and reliable company.
Just backup your hard disks while you attend to your other duties and get notified when everything’s done. Just as simple as that. It also covers IOS backup and bootable remote backups.
Check for the options and rules for customizing your operation.

FEATURES

The figure below shows all possible backup and sync options, which support your private rules and scheduling. ChronoSync 4 is a perfect example what a modern interface should look like.
It is like Danish design watches, clean slick and 100% functional. It is not loaded with features but adequate for most users. More is not always better !

SETUP

Installing ChronoSync 4 is straightforward and without a system reboot. The right sidebar off the main page is used for creating your backup. Now enter backup title and choose your desired backup operation, source and destination. Options and rules are customized settings you may implement for your perfect backup operation. Again straightforward and congrats.. you’ve setup your first personal backup.

SCHEDULING

ChronoSync 4 has a brilliant Scheduling feature with a brilliant and complete interface. ChronoSync supports event-based schedules, too.
ChronoSync can even wake your Mac to perform scheduled synchronization. An option found on most backup utilities.

MASS & REMOTE BACKUP

This is the field of ChronoMonitor, and the pairing of ChronoAgent and InterConneX.
ChronoAgent is presented in system preferences panel: you install it like regular software, but without an application folder, it is an option within System Preferences. Switch it on in there, and when you create a secure username and password, you can connect to your Mac from another one, or an iOS device. You also need to install the Free InterConneX app on your IOS device and you’re all set.

VERDICT

A brilliant program and a brilliant interface makes life easy. And thats is my final conclusion. Already thinking about your next birthday or Christmas gift ?

PUT CHRONOSYNC and CHRONOAGENT ON YOUR WISHLIST. You just can’t go wrong.

Tri-Backup is not the average backup package. It has so many features and options that it takes time and effort to understand all possibilities offered. Ofcourse it is a blessing when you get value for your money, but
using this program and use it to its ability will make you sit on your chair for an hour, and discover all the features and their options. Truly this is the most versatile backup program I encountered yet.

MAIN FEATURES

• Multiple modes: copy, backup, synchronization, deletion, compression, comparison, etc..
• Multiple backup modes: Evolutive (which keeps multiple versions of each document), Mirror (identical copy), Incremental partial Disc Copy, etc..
• “Programmed Actions” running in the background, with automatic execution.
• Management of various contexts (office, home, nomad) to adapt the execution of certain actions (so that they are activated only in a particular context).
• “Immediate Actions” to check and control precisely what needs to be copied, deleted or modified.
• Ability to make encrypted backup (password protected).
• Create an unlimited number of programmed actions.
• Opening of immediate actions containing the settings stored in your programmed actions.
• Restoration with search of the location where the most recent backup of a particular folder was done.
• Restore Time Machine backups.
• History of executed actions, of copied files, etc..
• Posts information on the progress of actions.
• Automatically mount remote volumes.

OSX INTEGRATION

It fully integrates with your Mac and makes use of the existing Time Machine and Finder technology to help you easily locate and deploy files.

BACKUP FEATURES

Tri-Backup 7 is a true backup and sync package for your Mac. It sync, copies all files straight to and from a FTP site too. TRi-Backup 7 offers an enormous array of features and options.
Ons of the options is the EVOLUTIVE BACKUP :

The Evolutive Backup is a particular backup of a disk or a folder to a local or remote disk or folder.
The Evolutive Backup keeps several versions of each modified file in the destination, as well as older versions of deleted files.

I believe this particular form of backup is a heavy load of your systems resources. The incremental approach is a better way in backing up your files, and saving storage space on your NAS or server.
Tri-Backup has other useful built-in backup features, like Bootable Copy, which is frequently updated and contains your basic OS and installed applications.

RECOVERY TOOLS

Again full options for recovery of your system files. TRi-Backup integrates great in your Mac Finder which makes it easy to scroll and search for files and maps. As one of the backup features is comprising to save storage space, recovery will uncompress files, maps or backups if wanted. Another possibility is restoring from OSX Time Machine, which is an option rarely seen.

MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Again lots of options ! One major option is when using the EVOLUTIVE Backup the possibility to free up used disk space, by setting a maximum number of kept backups and or delete a specified number of backup days.
This is important because none backup space is unlimited for most users.

The Tri-Backup Scheduler is where you set, edit and disable the timing of your automatic backups, a common feature which works fine and without problems.

NEW version Tri-Backup 8:

What is new in Tri-BACKUP 8?

Version 8 is a brand new version of Tri-BACKUP for Mac OS X 10.6 or more.

New features:

– New option to create a bootable copy with a minimal System.
– New features to duplicate the partitions scheme to a new disk (to create a similar disk with all same partitions, including hidden System partitions).
– New features to copy the contents of hidden System partitions.
– New features to create a Recovery HD partition.
– New scheduler options.
– New compare size action.
– New GoTo menu.
– New languages filter.

– Faster: speed increased for updating existing backups.
– Now uses UUID (Unique Volume Identifier) to detect the volumes (in addition with date and size).
– New scheduler features: Added Every hour + xx minutes (0:30 or 0:15).
– New scheduler features: Added a time limitation, to only backup between given hours.
– New “Compare Folders Sizes” immediate action to quickly detect the sizes and the differences.
– New GoTo menu to access the contents of the mounted disks, including invisible folders (user’s Library, etc.).
– New filter to exclude languages from localization resources (in applications, etc.).
– New filters to help finding actions in Programmed actions panel, and last actions panel.
– New graphical display of latest executions of an action.
– New tool to duplicate the partitions scheme.
– New tool to copy the contents of hidden System partitions.
– New tool to create a Recovery HD partition.
– New option in Bootable Copy action to create a minimal System.
– Added preview features to see what will be the operations of a programmed action.
– Many new options to better monitor and control your Mac and your backups.
– Many enhancements.
– More controls and information in the Scheduler menu.– etc.

VERDICT

Tri-BACKUP 7 will keep you save and organized, and perform your scheduled backups. Full integration of OSX and the ability to use Time Machine shows this software package takes it one step further then most competitors. The interface could do with some modernizing and is crowded with information. The presented information is however essential to make good use of its features. This software package suits the company user better then the average home-user. It delivers a lot, all aimed to diversity in users. You decide wether you need all the features, but if you do…. this is a great package.

Don’t wait for disk failure

GoodSync synchronizes and backs up files such as photos, financial documents, MP3s, e-mails between desktops, laptops, servers, and external drives.
GoodSync is the latest software in a series of highly reliable, easy-to-use products from Siber Systems, the makers of RoboForm. It uses an innovative synchronization algorithm that offers true bi-directional synchronization.

FEATURES

GoodSync’s syncing capabilities:

A local computer

computer connected over the internet

USB and network drives

Online storage ( Google, Dropbox etc )

GOODSYNC and LOCAL COMPUTERS

Goodsync can directly connect with computers

Create an account on each computer and start syncing

GOODSYNC AUTOMATION
Goodsync can set automated tasks created by the user. These tasks can be created with a variety of syncing options. This is the part where I think the beginning user should be carefull in his or her choices.
The wrong choice can make data seem gone when you do not opt for incremental syncing.
Goodsync keeps a backup ( gs-data ) in a special created map, where you can recover files. It is the overwhelming amount of options that make this utility not suitable fort he mac-novice but it is especially suitable to companies and experienced users. All created tasks can be exported, so whenever you feel the need of a clean OSX install or re-install Goodsync, just one click will import all your tasks ready for action.

GOODSYNC in PRACTICE

When all tasks have been setup, Goodsync works really well .
The interface is not as intuitive as some competitors, and is due to the amount of options.
Another good and usefull feature is the logging of all actions. A logging which shows errors should they occur for any reason.
Block-level sync really speeds things up. Compression is only done in NTFS.

VERDICT

Goodsync is one of the best utilities for experienced users and companies. Its versatile and offers loads of options. A good interface and task description help you making the right choice.
You just can’t go wrong using GoodSync a solid and reliable performer. Goodsync Desktop for Mac or Goodsync2Go for use with an portable (usb) drive makes your choice complete.

Ofcourse you can use Time Machine for your backup, its easy and works well. However is won’t be sufficient in all cases.
Eventually it will happen to us all, the error or performance that makes us decide for a clean install of OSX.
And for those who don’t want all their stuff stored on a cloud like Dropbox or Google, a personal external NAS backup is needed.

This is where software like Carbon Copy Cloner is essential for performing the job.
At launch Carbon Copy presents a clean interface with a sidebar showing the task discription and a window showing : source, destination and schedule buttons.
In addition to task overview the sidebar also shows all mounted volumes. Thanks to the intuitive interface it is really easy to setup backup tasks.

You don’t have to be a wizzard to accomplish these task setups. Everything is straightforward really. After choosing the ‘source’ and ‘destination’ you add a schedule for the backup task.

You can also clone the entire bootdisk to an external unit.

ADVANCED FEATURES

Normally CCC runs in default ‘simple’ mode. All advanced settings are hidden. Opening the advanced settings offers a fine tuning for the backup task and the SafetyNet feature.

It is possible that you may run several operations, and option for ‘wait till task is finished’ is optional to have CCC run all tasks even if there is a time-overlap.

SAFETYNET

Create a bootable clone of your hard drive, but also keep copies of your recently deleted and changed files — just in case.

USE

CCC works flawlessly.
The interface is clear and easy to use.
The ‘Menu bar.app’ is providing the neccesary information.
So if you’re really serious about a backup utility and safety, this is your pick.

VERDICT

Carbon Copy Cloner feels like doing the required job with ease and speed. A simple interface explaining the desired job(s). This is what you’re backing up, here’s where you’re backing it up to, go. It supports more then enough options for most users. Carbon Copy Cloner is the easiest backup utility, and not complaining about authorization issues with external discs. Just Drag & Drop your source and destination and you’re on your way. Fully auto scheduled backups complete the great options.